Method and apparatus to validate a subscriber line

ABSTRACT

A method is described of providing validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network using a validation system. The method includes obtaining line data of the subscriber line wherein the line data is suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB). The method interrogates the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data, and processes the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line. The method includes identifying a local exchange carrier (LEC) associated with the subscriber line to determine if a billing arrangement exists between the validation system and the LEC. The invention extends to a subscriber line validation system to validate a subscriber line of a communication network.

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/314,604 entitled “METHOD OF VALIDATING A SUBSCRIBER LINE” filed Aug. 23, 2001.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

An increasing number of vendors are offering goods and/or services which may be purchased via a communication network such as a telecommunication network. For example, the customer may conduct a transaction via a subscriber line using a landline telephone or a personal computer. Conventionally, credit or debit card details are furnished by the customer to the vendor to effect payment for the goods and/or services. As many customers are hesitant to supply credit or debit card details over a communication network, an alternate method of payment would be advantageous. However, if an alternate method is used, verification of the payment method should preferably take place prior to concluding the transaction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method to provide validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network, the method including:

obtaining line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB);

interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and

processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

The LIDB may be a conventional LIDB used by a service provider, e.g. a local exchange carrier, to investigate a destination or termination line to which a carrier requests a connection.

The method may include analyzing the reference subscriber data to determine if the data is associated with a billing telephone number (BTN) and, if so, generating an approval or a decline status. In one exemplary embodiment, the line data is automatic number identification (ANI) data and, the method includes interrogating the LIDB using the ANI data (herein also referred to as the ANI). The validation data may be processed to determine whether the subscriber line is a billable line having an associated account to which goods or services can be billed.

The reference subscriber data received from the LIDB may be processed selectively to approve a transaction requested via the subscriber line. In one exemplary embodiment, the reference subscriber data is in the form of conventional LIDB codes and the operation to process the data may include generating a modified code from at least one LIDB code. In certain embodiments, a common modified code is generated from a plurality of LIDB codes. The modified codes may be arranged in a billable group and a non-billable group.

The method may include conducting fraud control checks on the account associated with the subscriber line number or ANI. The fraud control checks may include at least one of the operations selected from the group consisting of checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the ANI, verifying a user entered ZIP code with ZIP data from a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with address data from an address data source, checking if the area code associated with the ANI has changed, checking if the ANI and the BTN match, and checking if the BTN or ANI are missing from the record.

The method may include interrogating a network database with the ANI to determine if the subscriber line is a billable subscriber line and, if not, generating a decline status. The method may include interrogating with the line data at least one of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database, a 42 BLOCK database, a Block and Cancel database, an unpaid bills database, an off network database, an on network database, an address verification database, a regional account office (RAO) database, an operating company number (OCN) database, and a customer account record exchange (CARE) database and selectively generating one of a decline status and an approved status in response to the interrogation.

The method may include receiving the line data from a vendor of goods or services (e.g. an Internet Service Provider (ISP)); and communicating at least the decline status to the vendor.

In one exemplary embodiment, the charges raised by the vendor are included in an account submitted by the exchange carrier to a subscriber for use of the subscriber line.

Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium for storing a set of instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to execute the method.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a subscriber line validation system for validating a subscriber line of a communication network, the system including:

a communication module for receiving line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB);

an interrogation module for interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and

a processor module for processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

In one exemplary embodiment, the LIDB is a conventional LIDB. However, in other embodiments, a plurality of LIDBs may be provided that are used by one or more service providers, e.g. local exchange carriers, to investigate a destination or termination line to which a subscriber line requests a connection.

In one exemplary embodiment, the processor module is configured to analyze the reference subscriber data to determine if the data is associated with a billing telephone number (BTN) and, if so, the system generates a decline status. In one embodiment, the line data is automatic number identification (ANI) data and the processor module interrogates the LIDB using the ANI data.

The validation data may be processed to determine if the subscriber line is a billable line having an associated account to which goods or services can be billed.

The reference subscriber data may be received from the LIDB and may be processed selectively to approve a transaction requested via the subscriber line.

The reference subscriber data is preferably in the form of conventional LIDB codes and the processor module may generate a modified code from at least one LIDB code. In certain embodiments, the processor module generates a common modified code from a plurality of different LIDB codes. In one embodiment, the modified codes are arranged in a billable group and a non-billable group.

In certain embodiments, the system may conduct fraud control checks on an account associated with the ANI. The processor module may be configured to conduct at least one fraud control check selected from the group consisting of checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the ANI, verifying a user entered ZIP code with a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with an address data source, checking if the area code associated with the ANI has changed, checking if the ANI and the BTN match, and checking if the BTN or ANI are missing from the record.

The processor module may interrogate a network database with the ANI to determine if the subscriber line is a billable subscriber line and, if so, generate a decline status.

In certain embodiments, the system may interrogate at least one of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database, a 42 BLOCK database, a Block and Cancel database, an unpaid bills database, an off network database, an on network database, an address verification database, a regional account office (RAO) database, an operating company number (OCN) database, and a customer account record exchange (CARE) database.

The system may include receiving the line data from a vendor of goods or services; and communicating at least the decline status to the vendor. Charges raised by the vendor may be included in an account submitted by the exchange carrier to a subscriber for use of the subscriber line.

Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a system to provide validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network, the system including means for obtaining line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); means for interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and means for processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a subscriber line validation system, in accordance with the invention, for validating a subscriber line of a communication network;

FIGS. 2 to 4 show a schematic flow chart of a method, in accordance with the invention, for validating the subscriber line;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of how the system may be used in a conventional commercial environment; and

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a sample telephone bill platform which the system can automatically update.

FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exemplary form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, reference number 10 generally indicates an exemplary subscriber line validation system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, for validating a subscriber line 17 of a subscriber. In one exemplary embodiment, the subscriber line 17 is a telephone line or the like which a consumer or business 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) obtains from a telephone company (Telco) 13 or a local exchange carrier (LEC). As described in more detail below, the system 10 uses line data in the exemplary form of an automatic number identification (ANI) service to obtain the telephone line number of the subscriber line 17 thereby to validate the subscriber line 17 when the subscriber line 17 initiates a communication or connection. In one exemplary embodiment, the line number obtained from the ANI service is used to investigate various databases to obtain, for example, an indication of the credit worthiness of the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line 17. It is to be appreciated that any electronic apparatus, e.g. a personal computer, PDA, cellular telephone, or the like may be used to initiate the communication.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the system 10 includes an application program interface (API) 14 which is connected to a vendor 12 or service provider (see also FIG. 5) of goods and/or services which requires validation of a subscriber account. The vendor 12, which could for example be an Internet Service Provider, may request the validation of the subscriber line 17 prior to concluding an electronic transaction with a subscriber (e.g., a consumer or business 11) via the subscriber line 17. It is, however, to be appreciated that the API 14 may be connected to a variety of different hosts or clients which require validation of a subscriber line via which the vendor may carry out transactions for goods and/or services.

In one exemplary embodiment, the system 10 is connected to a plurality of vendors which conduct transactions with users via line termination equipment such as a telephone, a personal computer or the like. Such vendors, when conducting transactions, may preferably charge a user for their services by adding such charges to a telephone account of the user rather than charging the goods and/or services to a credit card, debit card, or the like. Accordingly, the validation of the subscriber line 17, and the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line 17, may be of benefit to the vendor 12 prior to completing a transaction. The validation may include determining whether or not the subscriber line 17, via which the communication is made to the vendor, is a billable line and, accordingly, the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line 17 may thus be billed for the transaction.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vendor 12 communicates a request to the system 10 and forwards the subscriber line number, determined by the ANI service, to the system 10 via its API 14. The system 10 then processes the information received from the vendor 12 and provides a validation status, e.g. a code indicating a valid billable number or a code indicating that the subscriber line number is not a valid billable number (e.g. unbillable or non-billable). In particular, a plurality of codes associated with various statuses of the subscriber line 17 may be communicated to the vendor 12 as described in more detail below.

The system 10 includes hardware and software to implement the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes a comparator module 18, a threshold database 20, an OFFNET database 22, an ONNET database 24, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database 26, a 42 BLOCK database 28, a block and cancel database 30, an unbilled and/or unpaid bills database 32, line identification database (LIDB) short term cache 34, a validity check module 36, a regional account office (RAO) database 38, an operating company number (OCN) database 40, an ONNET database 42, an address verification database 44, a customer account record exchange (CARE) results database 46, an ANI watch database 48, and an NPA (Numbering Plan Area) exchange database 50. It is to be appreciated that, in less sophisticated embodiments of the invention, all of the above databases need not be included. However, for enhanced accuracy, all of the above databases are preferably included. Further databases may also be included to further enhance the reliability of the validation process.

In addition to any one or more of the above databases, the system 10 is in communication via a conventional communication channel with an off-site or, in some embodiments, on-site line identification database (LIDB) host 52. The LIDB host 52 may include a line number portability (LNP) database. In one exemplary embodiment, the LNP database may front end access to a plurality of industry standard LIDBs (e.g. 13 different LIDBs). The LNP database may however be a separate database. As described in more detail below, the system 10 communicates the subscriber line number to the LIDB host 52 which, in turn, communicates reference subscriber data in the form of industry standard LIDB codes back to the system 10 for processing. The system 10 then processes the LIDB codes to provide the vendor with validation data relating to the subscriber line 17. Unlike conventional LIDB applications which use LIDB to make decisions regarding destination subscriber lines or call completion decisions, e.g. decisions for calling cards, collect and third party toll services or the like, the system 10 may be used to identify telephone numbers being served by CLECs in order to ensure that calls are routed correctly on ported lines.

Broadly, the system 10 has a variety of different components, including a communication module defined by the API 14, and a processor module 54. The a processor module 54 includes the various databases 20 to 32 as well as the comparator module 18 and the validity check module 36, and an interrogation module 56 for interrogating the LIDB host 52. It is to be appreciated that the aforementioned modules may be defined by one or more servers with associated databases. Further, in the drawings, the LIDB host 52 is shown as a single database but may comprise many different LIDB databases maintained by various LECs and, accordingly, may be located at various different geographic locations.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 2 to 4 of the drawings, a flow chart describing the method of operation of the system 10 is shown. In one exemplary embodiment, a vendor 12 initiates a request to the system 10 to validate a subscriber line 17 via which the vendor 12 wishes to transact with a customer (consumer or business 11). As shown at operation 60, the system 10 first checks to see if the subscriber line number is present in the request from the vendor 12 and, if no line number is present, a return code 121 is generated and communicated to the vendor as shown at operation 62. The code 121 indicates to the vendor that the system 10 is unable to process the request. If, however, the subscriber line number is present in the request from the vendor 12, the system 10 then checks if the subscriber line number captured (hereinafter also referred to as the ANI) and a billing telephone number (BTN) match, as shown at operation 64 (see also the comparator module 18 in FIG. 1). In one exemplary embodiment, the BTN may be sourced from the consumer or customer 11 when a transaction is requested by the customer 11. If, however, the ANI and the BTN do not match, then the processor module 54 generates a code 120 (see operation 66) to indicate that the caller and the owner of the line number are not the same person (e.g. subscriber inputs a BTN and calls from a different ANI) and the relevant modified code is then returned to the vendor 12. If the ANI and the BTN do match, the processor module 54 interrogates the threshold database 20 (see operation 68) to ascertain whether or not the line number has reached its threshold (e.g., a predefined client threshold parameter such as an account threshold indicating a maximum dollar amount that may be charged to the account). If the line number has reached its threshold, the processor module 54 then generates a code 60, as shown at operation 70, which is then communicated to the vendor 12 to indicate that the line number should not be granted service. In other words, the subscriber account cannot be billed for the goods or services requested by the customer 11 from the vendor 12.

If the threshold for the particular subscriber line 17 has not been reached, the system 10 may then interrogate its OFFNET database (see operation 71) to check if the industry standard NPA/NXX and operating company number (OCN) of the subscriber line 17 is present in the OFFNET database 22. The OFFNET database 22 includes NPA/NXX and OCN combinations of operating companies with which the proprietor or user of the system 10 does not have billing and collection agreements to bill into the telephone company's or Telco's bill page associated with the subscriber line 17. Accordingly, the proprietor or user of the system 10 is unable to include a charge in the account associated with the subscriber line 17 on behalf of the vendor 12 for the transaction carried out with the vendor 12 via the subscriber line 17.

If the line number is in the OFFNET database 22, then the processor module 54 generates codes 130 to 133 (see operation 72) and communicates these codes to the vendor 12. The codes 130 to 133 indicate that the NPA/NXX and OCN for the particular line number 17 are not billable and, accordingly, charges for goods and/or services requested by a customer 11 via the subscriber line 17 cannot be included in a monthly account or the like by the system 10. As shown in Table 2 below, the codes 130 to 133 provide an indication to the vendor 12 why the subscriber line 17 is not billable or deliverable. If the subscriber line number is not included in the OFFNET database 22, a check is conducted to see whether or not the subscriber line number is included in the ONNET database 24. This check is however optional in the embodiment depicted in the drawings, but in certain embodiments, may be mandatory if the system 10 does not include the OFFNET database 22.

Thereafter, as shown in operation 78, the processor module 54 checks to see if the line number 17 is found in a known CLEC table in the CLEC database 26. CLEC numbers are those line numbers that are known to have ported to a CLEC and, accordingly, the proprietor of the system 10 is thus unable to route these line numbers to the correct billing entities. If the line number is found in the CLEC database 26, then the processor module 54 generates a code 140 (see operation 76), which is communicated to the vendor 12. The code 140 indicates that the line number is not billable for the CLEC and the system 10 can thus not charge the transaction to the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line 17.

If the line number is not found in the CLEC database 26, then the system 10 may check to see if the subscriber of the line number has requested a 4250 billing block as shown at operation 78. In particular, the processor module 54 interrogates the 42 BLOCK database 28 and, if the number is located in the database 28, which indicates that monthly recurring charges (4250 charges) are prevented from being billed to that line number, the processor module 54 generates a code 150 (see operation 80) which is communicated to the vendor 12 to indicate that billing to the particular subscriber line 17 has been blocked.

If, however, the subscriber line 17 has not been blocked, the system 10 may then check at operation 82 if the line number is located in the block and cancel database 30 and, if so, the processor module 54 generates codes 160 and 161 which are then communicated to the vendor 12 as shown at operation 84. The block and cancel database 30 includes requests from owners of subscriber lines, agencies, businesses, or the like that a service be canceled or blocked from further billing. Thereafter, the system 10 may interrogate the unbilled and/or unpaid bills database 32, as shown at operation 86, to check if there is a history of any unpaid bills and/or unbillable bills associated with the subscriber line 17. Unbillable bills relate to those subscriber line numbers where previous attempts have been made to bill charges to the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line number 17, and which have been returned as unbillable. If the processor module 54 locates the subscriber line number in the unbillable and/or unpaid bills database 32 then, as shown at operation 88, a code 170 is generated and communicated to the vendor 12 to indicate that the subscriber line number was previously found to be unbillable and is still considered to be unbillable.

The processing described in the abovementioned operations may conduct a preliminary investigation into the subscriber line number or ANI to provide an initial indication of whether or not the ANI corresponds with a billable subscriber line. Once the initial investigation has been conducted in certain embodiments, the system 10 then uses the ANI to obtain reference subscriber line data in the form of LIDB codes from one or more industry standard databases, e.g. the LIDB host or database 52. Examples of the LIDB codes used in the system 10 are shown in Table 3 below.

As shown at operation 90, if the ANI is not found in the LIDB database 52, then the system 10 cannot provide any validation data to the vendor 12 on this subscriber line and an appropriate code is then communicated to the vendor as shown at block 92.

Once the LIDB database or host 52 has been interrogated, it returns industry standard LIDB codes and line number portability (LNP) data to the system 10 as shown in operation 94. The LIDB codes may then be mapped or translated by the processor module 54 into modified validation codes (see Table 3) which provide relevant validation information to the vendor 12. As can be seen from Table 3, the same modified validation code can be generated from a plurality of different LIDB codes. Once the LIDB information codes have been returned to the processor module 54, the LIDB codes, including an OCN and RAO response codes, are fed into the validity check module 36 as shown at operation 96.

As mentioned above, the LIDB host 52 may also provide LNP data to the system 10. The LNP data is used to identify subscriber line numbers that have ported to a CLEC. If a subscriber line has been ported to a CLEC, the billing ONNET status of the CLEC may be verified in the CLEC database 26. The LNP identifies the facilities based CLECs which are CLECs that have been assigned all the line numbers for an NPA/NXX in a specific geographic territory. This type of CLEC may be in control of the cable, dial tone and billing envelope for that number. In one exemplary embodiment, the LNP cannot be used to identify CLEC sellers, which have resold the subscriber line under their brand, but still lease the cable and tone from an incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC). Accordingly, a third-party billing facility, e.g. a proprietor or user of the system 10, may be unable to process transaction data onto a bill page of the CLEC reseller bill page. In order to identify reseller CLECs, the system 10 may compare RAO and OCN information, returned from the LIDB host 52, to data in the ONNET database 24. The OCN is the local Telco that owns the subscriber line number and the RAO is the office of the Telco that is responsible from a billing standpoint for the subscriber line number.

If the validity check module 36 determines that the response codes are invalid, the system 10 generates modified codes 180 to 999 (see operation 98 and Table 2) which are communicated to the requester or vendor to indicate that the mapping of the LIDB codes to the modified codes concluded that the line is an unbillable subscriber line.

If the validity check module 36 confirms the validity of the LIDB codes and, in the event of the line number being a billable line number, the processor module 54 then may check the RAO database 38 to ascertain whether or not the RAO is billable, as shown at operation 100. If the RAO is not billable, then the processor module 54 generates and communicates a return code 143 (see operation 102) to indicate to the vendor 12 that the line number belongs to a CLEC which is not billable by the system 10.

In a similar fashion, at operation 104 the processor module 54 checks to see if the OCN returned from the LIDB host 52 corresponds with a known CLEC or if the OCN corresponds with an OFFNET OCN and is therefore also unbillable by the system 10. If the line number corresponds to an OCN that is not billable, a return code 142 is generated by the processor module 54 and communicated to the vendor (see operation 106).

If the subscriber line number has passed the RAO and OCN checks and, accordingly, it appears that the number is billable, the processor module 54 may then check to see if a new NPA/NXX and OCN combination for this line number is guidable to the correct local Telco for billing (see operation 108). If the line number is not guidable, then the system 10 generates a code 141 at operation 110 which is communicated to the vendor to indicate that, even though the line number is billable, the proprietor of the system 10 is unable to guide the billing information to the new Telco for billing. Accordingly, the telephone number is in fact non-billable insofar as the system 10 is concerned and a decline status is therefore communicated to the vendor 12.

The abovementioned operations are carried out to ascertain whether or not the subscriber line can be billed for the goods and/or services requested. However, to enhance the accuracy or reliability of the system 10, further checks or verification may be conducted as described below.

In the event that the subscriber line number has passed or complied with the abovementioned checks, and has thus not yet been rejected, the system 10 may perform address verification procedures at operation 112. In particular, when the ANI is communicated to the API 14, location data is also provided which has been fed in by the user, e.g. via a computer terminal, orally over a telephone, or the like. The system 10 then interrogates an address verification database 44 to compare the address or location data (e.g. a ZIP code) supplied by the customer 11 with a reference address data as shown at operation 112. If, however, the address supplied by the customer 11 does not match with the address in the verification database 44 or, the addresses are not within a predefined range or area, the processor module 54, as shown at operation 114, generates codes 10 to 39 which are then communicated to the vendor 12 to indicate the level of likelihood that the caller (ANI) and the account owner are the same person.

During the address verification operation 112, the system 10 may interrogate a customer account record exchange (CARE) database 46 (which can be an on-site database which is regularly updated), to provide enhanced reliability. In particular, in one exemplary embodiment, the CARE database 46 or information site is one or more industry standard off-site databases which allow consumers to select or change their long distance service provider. Local Telcos forward specific customer information to the LEC associated with the subscriber. In one exemplary embodiment, the information communicated includes a new telephone number, a billing address, an installation date, a person or organization responsible for the account, or the like.

As shown at operation 116, the system 10 may interrogate the CARE database or information site and CARE data is then loaded into CLEC and new line databases to perform certain fraud and/or billing checks. The CARE information investigation may occur after a successful validation event. In one embodiment, once the system 10 has validated the subscriber line 17, the subscriber line number data is sent to a CARE database provider hosting the CARE database 46 to obtain the BNA (Billing Name and Address) and age of the account. In one exemplary embodiment, the information is returned within 48 hours and then processed. CARE records that are returned without BNA and NO ACCOUNT codes may be inserted into the CLEC database 26 for future reference. Accordingly, if the BTN is presented again at a later date, it will fail the CLEC check operation 74 (see FIG. 2).

The ANI watch database 48, which may include historical and adjusted information, may be used by the system 10 to determine if the account has previously been adjusted (see operation 116). In one exemplary embodiment, this operation includes ascertaining previous requests by the subscriber for credit, obtaining data on any written off amounts for charges that were billed to a bill page, or the like.

If adjustments have previously been made to the account associated with the subscriber line 17, the processor module 54 generates codes 1 to 5 (see operation 118) to indicate to the vendor 12 that the adjustments have previously been made. If no adjustments have been made, the processor module 54 checks to see whether or not the subscriber line number has a business line indicator as shown at operation 120. If the business line indicator is active, the system 10 generates a code 70 (see operation 122), which is communicated to the vendor 12 to advise that the line is a business line. Thereafter, as shown in operation 124, the processor module 54 may check to see if the subscriber line number has been in service for less than about 90 days and, if so, a return code 80 (see operation 126) is generated to advise the vendor 12 who may then selectively decide whether or not to conclude the transaction. A database of new numbers may be updated with the new number.

Thereafter, the system 10 may interrogate the ANI watch database 48 (see operation 128) to ascertain whether or not the area code of the line number has been changed or is scheduled to change. In one embodiment, this interrogation is for billing purposes only and is not used to decide upon the validity of the request. In this operation, the vendor 12 requesting the validation updates the billing file with the new area code number, and the processor module 54 generates a code 110 (see operation 130) to advise the vendor 12 of the scheduled change to the area code.

Once the line number has passed all the aforementioned checks, the system 10 may conclude that the subscriber line 17 is in fact a billable subscriber line based on the data obtained using ANI techniques and, accordingly, the transaction may be charged directly to the account of the subscriber. Accordingly, the system 10 then generates a code 000 (see operation 134) which is communicated to the vendor 12. The code 000 may define an approved status following both a billable line number inquiry as well as several fraud checks which are carried out by the fraud control module 132 (see FIG. 1). If the subscriber line number of the subscriber line 17 has passed the abovementioned checks and a return code 000 is generated, the procedure shown in FIG. 4 is carried out whereafter the process terminates at operation 136. Thus, operation 136 may define the end of the process during which the various checks have been conducted on the subscriber line 17 to assess whether or not it is a billable subscriber line that charges may be billed to. Operation 138 defines, in one embodiment, the last operation to which the process jumps when, at any point during the abovementioned process, the line number is found not to be billable (or a creditworthiness decision is requested) and the inquiry is accordingly terminated and the relevant code is communicated to the vendor 12.

In one exemplary embodiment, the abovementioned operations are executed in real-time. However, information sources that do not allow checks on the line number in real time may be carried out subsequently on the subscriber line number. In one embodiment, once the real-time evaluation is carried out and the return code 000 is communicated to the vendor 12, and should the vendor 12 decide to proceed with the transaction, transaction data is then returned to the system 10 by the vendor 12 for a pre-billing validation check or actual billing. During the actual billing, the system 10 may access an account folder of the subscriber line at the Telco and insert the charges due to the vendor 12 for its goods or services. As shown at operation 140, subscriber line numbers may be sent to the CARE database 46 to determine if the BNA is available at the local Telco. If the folder is not available, the local Telco sends the BNA and codes as to why the number is unavailable. If the BNA is found in the CARE database 46, the processor module 54 may then check to see whether or not the account was created within the last 90 days as shown at operation 142. If the account was not created within the last 90 days, then the business indicator is checked as shown at operation 144 and the process ends as previously shown at operation 146. If, however, the number was found in the CARE database 46, the account was created within the last 90 days, or has an active business indicator, then the system 10 may generate the appropriate codes, which are communicated to vendor 12, and the process terminates as shown at operation 148.

The above process has been described in terms of modified codes set out in Table 2 but, it is to be appreciated, that any other defined set of corresponding codes may be provided so long as the codes are mapped onto, or generated in response to, any one or more of the industry standard LIDB codes.

A summary of the codes generated by one exemplary embodiment of the system 10 during execution of the validation process is provided in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Modified codes generated during the BTN Validation Process. Code Generated and ref to flow charts Description of code Return Code 121 Indicates inability to proceed with validation; returned to requestor See operation 64 Checks if ANI captured and BTN provided match (not required in all scenarios) Return Code 120 Indicates caller and # (line number) owner are not the same person; returned to requestor See operation 68 A defined Threshold limits the number of attempts on that # within a certain timeframe Return Code 60 Indicates # may not be granted service; returned to requestor. See operation 71 Checks the NPA/NXX and OCN to those in the OFFNET. OFFNET = NPA/NXX and OCN combinations where proprietor of the system 10 does not have a Billing and Collections agreement to bill into the Telco's' bill page. Return Code 130–133 Indicates that NPA/NXX & OCN for that Number are not billable; returned to requestor See operation 74 Checks the line number to see if found in known CLEC table. These are numbers that are known to have ported to a CLEC. Proprietor is unable to route these # to the correct billing entities. Return code 140 Indicates # not billable for CLEC; returned to requestor. See operation 78 Checks line # to see if owner has requested a 4250 Billing block. This block prevents monthly recurring (4250) charges from being billed to that line #. Return Code 150 Indicates that billing to a particular subscriber line has been blocked; returned to requestor. See operation 82 Checks line number for inclusion in the Block and Cancel database. This database includes requests from line # owners, agencies, businesses etc that have requested that service be cancelled and or blocked from further billing. Return Code 160–161 Indicates number found in Block and Cancel and is not billable; returned to requestor. See operation 86 Checks line # for unbillable history. Unbillables are #s where tried to bill charges previously and have been returned as unbillable. Return Code 170 Indicates # has unbilled before and is still considered unbillable; returned to requestor. See operation 90 If # not found in Unbillable, then routed to LIDB for info. ITEM Description See operation 94 Identifies info returned from LIDB re. that line #; Response Code = status about that # as a call termination point. OCN = Operating Company # = the local Telco that owns that #. RAO = Regional Accounting Office = the office of the Telco that is responsible from a $ flow standpoint for that #. See operation 96 Checks the validity of the LIDB code returned for the number as a Billable #. This is where the mapping of the LIDB codes to the proprietor validation codes happens. Return Code 180– Indicates the mappings of the LIDB codes to the proprietor Val reply 999 codes. Each of these indicate a non-billable #; returned to requestor. See operation Checks if RAO returned is an RAO that is not billable. 100 Return Code 143 Indicates that the # belongs to a CLEC and is unbillable; returned to requestor. See operation Checks if OCN returned from LIDB is a known CLEC or OFFNET OCN 104 and therefore unbillable. Return code 142 Indicates that the new OCN is not billable; returned to requestor. See operation Checks to see if new NPA/NXX & OCN combination for # is guidable to 108 the correct local Telco for billing. Return code 141 Indicates that even though the # is billable, the system is unable to guide to the new Telco for billing; unguidable = unbillable; # returned to requestor. The operations to indicate if # is billable have been completed. The next operations provide additional information about the # for the requestor e.g. to decide if and how much credit to extend for services. They also provide additional billing information. See operation Provides address verification (if required). Matches # to address to 112 determine likelihood of person dialing to the person that owns the account at local Telco. Return Code 10– Indicates the level likelihood that the caller (ANI) and acct owner are the 39 same. Returned to requestor. See operation Checks to see if # has had adjustment activity previously. This includes 116 request for credit, written off for charges that billed to a bill page. Requestor makes credit decision based on #s history of credits, adjustments, write offs. Return Code 1–5 Indicates the type and source of adjustment to charges to that #. Returned to requestor. See operation Checks to see if the # has a business line indicator. Requestor decides if 120 would like to extend service or not. Return Code 70 Indicates that the # is identified as a business. See operation Checks to see if the # has been in service less than 90 days. Requestor 124 makes a decision about how much service to offer # without much payment history. Return Code 80 Indicates that the # has been in service less than 90 days. See operation Checks if the Area Code of the # has been scheduled to change. This is for 128 billing information purposes only. Requestor updates billing filed with new number. Return Code 110 Indicates Area Code has been scheduled to change. New number is appended to end of record. See operation If the number passes all the previous checks, then 000 code is returned to 134 requestor. The Validation is complete for this request. See operation End of validation for numbers that did not pass or were found in other 138 checks. END OF REAL TIME VALIDATION EVENT Information sources that do not allow checks on the # in Real-time (r-t), happen on # that was returned as 000 after the r-t validation event has completed. The #s are loaded into the appropriate databases. This information will be provided once the # is returned for billing. Operations 140, 142, 144 Indicates path for those #s returned with a 000 code. See operation 140 #s are sent to CARE source to determine if BNA (billing Name and Address) available at local Telco. Telco sends BNA and codes as to why unavailable. CLEC #s that are returned with codes that indicate the # has moved to a CLEC from the local Telco are loaded into the CLEC table. See operation 142 #s are sent to the CARE source to determine if the account has been crested within the last 90 days. The response codes indicate this condition. New within 90 #s that are returned with codes that indicate this condition are loaded into the NEW table. See operation 144 #s are sent to a Business source. This source identifies which numbers belong to businesses. Biz table Numbers that are indicated as being line #s that belong to businesses are loaded in this table.

table 2 (see below) provides the various actions, which are executed in response to a modified validity code. The table provides an exemplary description and explanation of each code. Return codes 001 to 179 relate to failure codes, which are generated by the system 10 prior to investigation of the LIDB host 52. Return codes 180 to 451 are generated during the LIDB code checks. In the event of the subscriber line 17 failing the checks carried out on it, the system 10 provides optional use of a credit card and, accordingly, table 2 sets out codes which the system 10 generates in response to executing a standard credit card enquiry for a particular transaction. If the system 10, which may be defined by a server and associated databases, is down, codes 994 to 999 are generated and communicated to the vendor.

TABLE 2 Validation & BNA Reply Codes Code Action DESCRIPTION EXPLANATION BILLABLE CODES 000 Approved Billable; was not found during Passed all billing and fraud control checks fraud control checks FRAUD CONTROL CODES (performed after billable check) ANI WATCH (adjustments to bill) 001 Verify Billable; found in ANI WATCH - Passed all billable checks; but ANI had CLIENT source all been adjusted previously at vendor's, Client's or Telco's request for your Client # 002 Verify Billable; ANI WATCH - CLIENT Passed all billable checks; but ANI had source Client been adjusted previously at Client's request for your Client # 003 Verify Billable; ANI WATCH - CLIENT Passed all billable checks; but ANI had source Telco or Vendor been adjusted previously at vendor's or Telco's request for your Client # 004 Verify Billable; found in ANI WATCH - Passed all billable checks; ANI had been GLOBAL adjusted previously at vendor's, Client's or Telco's request for all Client ids 005 Verify Billable; found in ANI WATCH - Passed all billable checks; ANI had been PRODUCT adjusted previously at vendor's, Client's or Telco's request for same product type ZIP VERIFICATION 010 Verify Billable; Unable to match ZIP Passed all billable checks; unable to find invalid this Zip code for this NPA/NXX - 011 Verify Billable; ZIP does not match Passed all billable checks; Zip code does not match this NPA/NXX 012 Verify Billable; ZIP matches to same Passed all billable checks; Zip code Metropolitan area matches to same Metropolitan area as NPA NXX. ADDRESS VERIFICATION Note: The result of an AVS check does not mean that the transaction is declined. This information may be advice only. The system may compare the AVS data with billing information for the buyer and pass the results of the comparison to the merchant. 020 Verify Billable; BNA match not found Passed all billable checks; no BNA match found for ANI 021 Verify Billable; Unable to verify BNA Passed all billable checks; unable to verify invalid BNA to ANI info sent 022 Verify Billable; with zip-Match, plus4- Passed all billable checks; BNA Zip code + match, locale-Match 4 & locale (street address) matches info sent for ANI, Name does not match 023 Verify Billable; with zip-Match, plus4- Passed all billable checks; BNA Zip code + Match, NoMatch-locale 4 matches info sent for ANI but locale (street address) does not match 024 Verify Billable; zip-Match, NoMatch- Passed all billable checks; BNA Zip code & plus4, locale-Match locale (street address) matches info sent for ANI but + 4 does not match 025 Verify Billable; zip-Match, NoMatch- Passed all billable checks; BNA Zip code plus4, NoMatch-locale matches info sent for ANI but locale (street address) & + 4 does not match 026 Verify Billable; NoMatch-zip, plus4- Passed all billable checks; BNA +4 and Match, locale-Match locale (street address) matches info sent for ANI but Zip does not match 027 Verify Billable; NoMatch-zip, plus4- Passed all billable checks; BNA +4 matches Match, NoMatch-locale info sent for ANI but locale (street address) and Zip does not match 028 Verify Billable; NoMatch-zip, NoMatch- Passed all billable checks; BNA locale plus4, locale-Match (street address) matches info sent for ANI but ZIP and +4 does not match 029 Verify Billable; NoMatch-zip, NoMatch- Passed all billable checks; BNA does not plus4, NoMatch-locale match zip, + 4 or locale (street address) sent for ANI 030 Good Address & Zip Match 031 Verify Address Match, Zip No Match 032 Verify Address Match, Zip Service Unavailable 033 Verify Address No Match, Zip Match 034 Verify Address No Match, Zip No Match 035 Verify Address No Match, Zip Service Unavailable 036 Verify Address Service Unavailable, Zip Match 037 Verify Address Service Unavailable, Zip No Match 038 Verify Address Service Unavailable, Zip Service Unavailable AREA CODE CHANGE INDICATOR 110 Update Indicates there has been an area Code is sent in addition to the validation code change for this NPA/NXX response codes. New phone number is appended to record. Provided to update the account with the correct BTN. MISCELLANEOUS 120 Verify BTN and ANI do not match For use where BTN and ANI are passed and do not match. 121 Verify BTN or ANI are missing from For use where BTN and ANI is missing record from record UNBILLABLE CODES OFFNET 130 Unbillable NPA/NXX found in OFFNET - Area code/exchange (NPA/NXX) GLOBAL combination resides in OFFNET DB. OFFNET is a territory where the LEC (Local Exchange Carrier) is unable to provide 3rd party presentation in to its envelope. 131 Unbillable NPA/NXX found in OFFNET - Area code/exchange (NPA/NXX) CLIENT SPECIFIC combination resides in OFFNET DB specific for this Client id. 132 Unbillable NPA/NXX found in OFFNET - Area code/exchange (NPA/NXX) PRODUCT combination resides in OFFNET DB specific for this product type. 133 Unbillable NPA/NXX NOT VALID Area code/exchange is not a valid area code exchange CLEC (CLECs are unable to provide 3rd party bill presentation in their envelopes.) 140 Unbillable Line number (NPA/NXX-XXX) in BTN has been ported to a CLEC CLEC Territory (competitive local exchange carrier). 141 Unbillable NPA/NXX not ON NET BTN has been ported to a CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier) and is not billable. 142 Unbillable Line number OCN in CLEC OCN Operating Company number for this BTN table was found on CLEC OCN table. The number is not billable. 143 Unbillable Line number RAO in CLEC RAO Regional Accounting Office number for table this BTN was found on CLEC RAO table. This BTN is not billable. 42 BLOCK (4250s Only) 150 Unbillable Line Number has a block for 4250 Consumer has requested a block for all records MRCs (monthly recurring charges) from being billed to this phone number. BLOCK & CANCEL 160 Unbillable GLOBAL - Line number has been Consumer requested block to stop all blocked to stop all charges. charges from being billed to this number. 161 Unbillable CLIENT - Line number has a Consumer requested a block to stop block to stop all charges from this charges from being billed or to cancel Client id. service for this phone number from this Client id. UNBILLS 170 Unbillable Line number is Unbillable. Line number has been returned from the Local Telephone companies within the last 6 months as unable to be billed. LIDB FAILURE 180 Unbillable Line number failed LIDB check - Line Number has been returned from GENERAL LIDB as unbillable. 181 Unbillable Vacant NPA NXX No working line #s in NPA NXX 182 Unbillable No Incoming Calls Line # cannot accept incoming calls 183 Unbillable Denied ANI Auto decline of all attempts from this ANI 184 Unbillable Calling Card block Auto decline of Calling Card number 185 Unbillable Collect Call Block Auto decline of Collect calls to this number 186 Unbillable Third Party Call Block Auto decline all Third Party billed calls to this number 187 Unbillable Credit Card Block Auto decline of charges billed to Credit Card 188 Unbillable Group Number Block Auto decline of attempts from this group. 189 Unbillable Audiotext Bock Number does not allow audiotext calls. 190 Unbillable Excessive Calling Card PIN hits Threshold for calling card attempts has been exceeded. 191 Unbillable Line Number Block Auto decline of all charges to this number 200 Unbillable Excessive Use - BTN BTN has exceeded threshold 201 Unbillable Excessive Use DN DN has exceeded threshold 202 Unbillable Excessive Use - ANI ANI has exceeded threshold 203 Unbillable Excessive USE - Calling Card Pin Calling Card Pin has exceeded threshold 220 Unbillable Feature Group A Local telephone switch is Feature Group A 221 Unbillable PBX line Line # is a PBX line 222 Unbillable WATS line Line # is a WATS line 223 Unbillable Hotel/Motel Auto Quote w/ tax Hotel/Motel Auto Quote w/ tax 224 Unbillable Hotel/Motel Auto quote w/o tax Hotel/Motel Auto quote w/o tax 225 Unbillable Dormitory line Line # belongs to a dorm 226 Unbillable Hospital line Line number belongs to a hospital 227 Unbillable Centrex line Line number belongs to CENTREX 228 Unbillable Alternate Service Provider Line # belongs to an alternate service provider 229 Unbillable POTS line (collect or third party Line # is plain old telephone service lines calls) for business or residential 230 Unbillable Pager # Line number belongs to pager 231 Unbillable PCS/Mobile/Cellular # Line number belongs to a wireless provider 240 Unbillable Line was disconnected w/o Line # was disconnected w/o a referral referral number 241 Unbillable Line Number changing Line is not connected yet. 242 Unbillable not used 243 Unbillable DISCO w/o referral Line number has been removed from service w/o referral 244 Unbillable Temp DISCO Line number has been removed from service temporarily 245 Unbillable DISCO with referral Line number has been disconnected w/ referral or Operator takes calls 246 Unbillable Temp DISCO w/ referral Line number has been removed from service temporarily w/ referral 250 Unbillable POTS line rating on rate plan POTS line is on a rate plan for business or residential message rate 1 or 2 or flat rate 300 Unbillable Public - Incompatible interface Public phone with incompatible interface 301 Unbillable LEC Public Standard PreP OT LEC Public phone standard interface; prepay overtime 302 Unbillable LEC Public Alternate LEC Public phone alternate interface; functions controlled by set 303 Unbillable LEC Public Standard PP OT LEC Public phone standard interface; postpay overtime 304 Unbillable IC Public IC Public Phone - Alternate Interface 305 Unbillable IC Public Standard IC Public Phone - Standard Interface 306 Unbillable LEC Public Special - PP OT LEC Public Phone- Special billing post paid OT 307 Unbillable LEC Public Special - PreP OT LEC Public Phone - Special Billing; Pre pay OT 308 Unbillable LEC Semi Public LEC Semi Public Phone 309 Unbillable LEC Semi Public Phone (no LEC Semi Public Phone does not allow collect or 3rd Party calls) collect or 3rd party calls to this number 310 Unbillable LEC Prepaid Card LEC Prepaid Card Telecommunications station 311 Unbillable IPP (fka COCOT) Standard Payphone Standard interface 312 Unbillable IPP (fka COCOT) Alternate Payphone - Alternate interface 313 Unbillable Coinless (non IPP fka COCOT) Coinless Pay phone 314 Unbillable Coinless (IPP fka COCOT) Coinless payphone 315 Unbillable Prison (non IPP fka COCOT) Prison payphone 316 Unbillable Prison (IPP fka COCOT) Prison Payphone 450 Unbillable BNS: Voice Quote - without tax Charge quotes without tax 451 Unbillable BNS: Voice Quote - with tax Charge quotes with tax CREDIT CARD RESPONSE CODES 000 Approved Credit card approved 501 Decline/Error User authentication Failed 502 Decline/Error Invalid tender Your merchant bank account does not support the following credit card type that was submitted 503 Decline/Error Invalid transaction type Transaction type is not appropriate for this transaction. For example, you cannot credit an authorization-only transaction. 504 Decline/Error Invalid amount 505 Decline/Error Invalid merchant information Processor does not recognize your merchant account information. Contact your bank account acquirer to resolve this problem. 512 Decline/Error Declined Please check the credit card number and transaction information to make sure they were entered correctly. If this does not resolve the problem, have the customer call the credit card issuer to resolve. 513 Decline/Error Referral Transaction was declined but could be approved with a verbal authorization from the bank that issued the card. Submit a manual Voice Authorization transaction and enter the verbal auth code 519 Decline/Error Original transaction ID not found The transaction ID you entered for this transaction is not valid. 520 Decline/Error Cannot find the customer reference number 522 Decline/Error Invalid ABA number 523 Decline/Error Invalid account number Please check credit card number and re- submit. 530 Decline/Error Account Lookup information Account provided found in system, Mismatch however, unique key provided does not match unique key in system. 531 Decline/Error Account does not exist Account provided not found in system 542 Decline/Error Invalid expiration date Please check and re-submit 525 Decline/Error Transaction type not mapped to this host 526 Decline/Error Invalid vendor account 527 Decline/Error Insufficient partner permissions 528 Decline/Error Insufficient user permissions 550 Decline/Error Insufficient funds available 551 Decline/Error Invalid transaction returned from host 552 Decline/Error Processor not available 553 Decline/Error Credit error Please make sure you have not already credited this transaction, or that this transaction ID is for a creditable transaction. (For example, you cannot credit an authorization.) 554 Decline/Error Void error Please make sure the transaction ID entered has not already been voided. If not, then look at the Transaction Detail screen for this transaction to see if it has settled. (The Batch field will be set to a number greater than zero if the transaction has been settled). If the transaction has already settled, your only recourse is a reversal (credit a payment or submit a payment for a credit). 555 Decline/Error Capture error Only authorization transactions can be captured 556 Decline/Error Failed AVS check Address and Zip code do not match 557 Decline/Error Cannot exceed sales cap For ACH transactions only 558 Decline/Error CVV2 Mismatch 800 Unbillable LNP Only Look-Up, number was LNP Only Look-Up, number was found in the found LNP GTT database as ported. 801 Unbillable LNP Only Look-Up, number was not LNP Only Look-Up, number was not found in found the LNP GTT database, not ported. 802 Unbillable LNP Only Look-Up, the NPA/NXX is LNP Only Look-Up, the NPNXX is not a not a portable range portable range. SYSTEM DOWN 994 Resubmit Message Format Error Message received in invalid or unrecognized format. 995 Resubmit Time out Session timed out. 996 Resubmit Connection Failure Unable to connect. 997 Resubmit Subsystem Failure Subsystem, such as LIDB, Credit Card, etc, not available. 998 Resubmit Network Failure Network Not Available 999 Resubmit System Down System Unavailable

As mentioned above, the system 10 may translate the LIDB codes into modified verification codes as shown in Table 2. These modified validity codes are then mapped or translated. Table 3 below provides a list of the modified validity codes which are generated following the mapping carried out by the processor module 54 to translate LIDB codes to the modified verification codes set out in Table 1.

TABLE 3 LIDB/LNP SOURCE TRANSLATIONS for ISP: Resp. Resp. Type Code LIDB rtfc In In ACTION ADMIN? Description type Code Out APP 000 Approved Calling card has an Unrestricted PIN. G1 000 APP 001 Approved Calling card has a Restricted PIN. The g1 000 switch must verify that the DNI matches the first 10 digits of the calling card before placing the call. APP 004 Approved Collect call - No verification is required. G1 000 APP 005 Approved Third-party call - No verification is G1 000 required. APP 006 Approved There is a system error. S 999 APP 008 Approved Communications Link Tests “Good.” S 999 APP 010 Approved Commercial credit card is approved and the G1 000 zip code matches, if the zip code was sent. APP 011 Approved Y Bill-to number has an Admin. Override to G1 000 automatically approve the transaction. (Admin. Reply) APP 012 Approved Originating number (ANI) has an Admin G1 000 Override to automatically approve the transaction. (Admin. Reply) APP 013 Approved Dialed number (DNI) has an Admin G1 000 Override to automatically approve the transaction. (Admin. Reply) APP 014 Approved Group number has an Admin. Override to G1 000 automatically approve the transaction. (Admin. Reply) APP 015 Approved Commercial credit card is approved but the CC 500 zip code check is unavailable. APP 016 Approved Commercial credit card is approved but the CC 501 zip code check is unavailable. Retry later. APP 017 Approved Commercial credit card is approved but the CC 502 zip code check is not supported. APP 018 Approved Commercial credit card is approved and the CC 503 address matches but the zip code does not match. APP 019 Approved Commercial credit card is approved and the CC 504 address and the zip code match. APP 020 Success LNP Only Look-Up, number was found in LNP 800 the LNP GTT database as ported. APP 021 Success LNP Only Look-Up, number was not found LNP 801 in the LNP GTT database, not ported. CON 050 Verify Collect call number has no block. Verify o1 000 acceptance of the charge. CON 051 Verify Third-party call number has no block. O1 000 Verify acceptance of the charge. CON 053 Denied Unable to authorize, Automatic Code S 999 Gapping is in effect at the LIDB. Every third query is dropped by the LIDB. CON 054 Denied Y Excessive Use - The bill-to number exceeded G3 000 the high limit threshold in the Admin. fraud control system. (Admin. Reply) CON 055 Denied Y Excessive Bad PIN Attempts -The threshold O2 000 for bad PIN attempts for the calling card was exceeded in the Admin. fraud control system. (Admin. Reply) This is the same as reply code 309. CON 060 Conditional Y Low Limit Warning - The bill-to number G3 000 exceeded the low limit threshold in the Admin. fraud control system. (Admin. Reply) CON 061 Conditional Y Low Limit Warning - The dialed number G3 000 exceeded the low limit threshold in the Admin. fraud control system. (Admin. Reply) CON 062 Denied Y Excessive Use Dialed - The dialed number G3 000 exceeded the high limit threshold in the Admin. fraud control system. (Admin Reply) CON 063 Conditional Y No Host Still Billable - There is no LIDB G2 180 check available, but the Customer has a billing agreement with this LEC. (Admin. Reply) CON 064 Approved Y Commercial credit card is approved but the CC 505 zip code and the address do not match. CON 065 Conditional Y Low Limit Warning - The ANI exceeded the G3 000 low limit threshold in the Admin. fraud control system. (Admin. Reply) CON 066 Denied Y Excessive Use ANI - The ANI exceeded the G3 000 high threshold in the Admin. fraud control system. (Admin. Reply) CON 070 Approved Calling card has no service denial in the G1 000 Card Service Denial Indicator field. Calling card calls may be billed to this card number. CON 071 Approved Calling card has no service denial in the Pin G1 000 Service Denial Indicator field. Calling card calls may be billed to this card number. CON 080 Verify Collect calls - Accept intralata, Reject O1 000 interlata collect calls. Recommend verify acceptance of the charge. CON 081 Verify Third-party calls - Accept intralata, reject O1 000 interlata third-party calls. Recommend verify acceptance of the charge. CON 082 Verify Collect calls - Accept intralata, verify O1 000 interlata collect calls. Recommend verify acceptance of the charge. CON 083 Verify Third-party calls - Verify intralata, reject O1 000 interlata third-party calls. Recommend Verify acceptance of the charge. CON 084 Verify Collect call - Verify acceptance of the charge O1 000 by an Operator. CON 085 Verify Third-party call - Verify acceptance O1 000 of the charge by an Operator. CON 086 Verify Collect call - Accept intralata charge, verify O1 000 interlata charge with Operator. CON 087 Verify Third-party calls - Verify intralata charge O1 000 with operator, reject interlata charge with Operator. CON 088 Verify Collect Calls: POTS Line G5 000 (Business/Residential) CON 089 Verify Third-Party Calls: POTS Line G5 000 (Business/Residential) CON 090 Verify BNS: Centrex Line, Collect calls - Some G4 000 LECs allow billing to this type of line, others do not. Verify Acceptance. CON 091 Verify BNS: POTS Line - Residential - Message rate G9 000 1 CON 092 Verify BNS: POTS Line - Residential - Message rate G9 000 2 CON 093 Verify BNS: POTS Line - Business - flat rate G9 000 CON 094 Verify BNS: POTs Line - Business - message rate 1 G9 000 CON 095 Verify BNS: POTS Line - Business - message rate 2 G9 000 CON 096 Verify BNS: POTS Line - Residential - flat rate G9 000 DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error Message S 994 DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-Date format S 994 DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-Header Message S 994 Error DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-Merchant ID Error S 994 DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-No End of Header S 994 Indicator DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-Header Data S 994 Indicator, did not contain data in each field of the message That was represented by the message text map field DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-PIN not numeric S 994 DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-Terminating Error S 994 (commercial credit card only DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-Terminating S 994 Number not numeric DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-Originating Number S 994 not Numeric DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-Charge Number not S 994 Numeric DENY 100 Denied Message Format Error-No End Header S 994 Indicator DENY 101 Denied Message Format Error Invalid S 994 Customer/Terminal ID Number DENY 102 Denied Message Format Error Invalid Message S 994 Type DENY 103 Denied Message Format Error Invalid Transaction S 994 Type DENY 104 Denied Message Format Error Invalid Sequence S 994 Number DENY 105 Denied Message Format Error Invalid Data S 994 Indicator DENY 105 Denied Message Format Error-Header Data S 994 Indicator DENY 107 Denied Bad PIN format. PINs must be equal to or S 994 higher than 2000. DENY 200 Denied Calling card blocked, missing customer S 994 record - There is no record of that calling card number in the database. DENY 201 Denied BNS, missing customer record - There is no S 994 record of that line number in the database. DENY 202 Denied Missing BNG - There is no record of that S 994 NPANXX in the database. DENY 203 Denied Non-billable NXX - DPC table failure. The G2 180 NPANXX does not have routing or allow billing, e.g. cellular. (LIDB or Admin. Reply) DENY 204 Denied Calling card blocked, screened data - A O2 000 screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this calling card. DENY 205 Denied Protocol converter problem - There is a S 999 problem with the SS7 protocol converter. DENY 206 Denied BNS & No Calling Card Calls - No Host, o2 180 Nonparticipating Group. This NPANXX exists but there is no LIDB host. (LIDB or Admin. Reply) DENY 207 Denied LIDB Access Denied because no queries S 999 should be sent to this LIDB destination. (Admin. Reply) DENY 208 Denied Calling card blocked, Screened Data on PIN O2 000 (Pin Service Denial Indicator) - A screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this PIN. DENY 209 Denied External SS7 Problem - There is a format S 999 problem in the SS7 network DENY 210 Denied Calling card blocked, screened data - A O2 000 screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this calling card. DENY 211 Denied Calling card is blocked because it has O2 000 a bad PIN or the PIN does not match database information. DENY 211 Denied Unexpected Data Value, Calling card blocked, O2 000 Bad PIN - This means a bad PIN was used or there is no PIN on file. DENY 212 Denied Calling card blocked, PIN Excessive Use at G3 000 LIDB Owner. - The PIN exceeded the high threshold in the LIDB fraud control system DENY 213 Denied Vacant BNG - There are no working lines in G2 181 the NPANXX. DENY 214 Denied No Collect calls - Collect calls are not O2 000 allowed to this line number. DENY 215 Denied No Third-party calls - Third-party calls are O2 000 not allowed to this line number DENY 216 Denied BNS: LEC Public - Standard Interface G10 303 (functions controlled by the network) - Postpay Overtime DENY 217 Denied BNS: Coinless (non IPP fka COCOT) G10 313 DENY 218 Denied BNS: semi-public phone - No Collect or G10 309 Third-party calls are allowed to this line number. DENY 219 Denied Spare - This LIDB response is not in use at AV 180 this time. DENY 220 Denied Time-out, No response from Host - A S 180 response was not received from the host database within 4 seconds for a Telco query or 12 seconds for a Bank card query. (LIDB or Admin. Reply) DENY 221 Denied BNS Data unavailable, Error Message, No S 180 Host - No collect or third-party calls should be allowed to this line number. DENY 222 Denied Calling card Data unavailable, Error S 180 Message, No Host - No calling card calls should be allowed to this line number. DENY 223 Denied BNS & Calling card, screened response O2 000 LIDB - A screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this account number. DENY 224 Denied LIDB Misroute - The query was routed to S 999 the wrong LIDB. DENY 225 Denied Reject, Reroute - The LIDB could not read S 994 the format of the query. DENY 226 Denied Unexpected Component - The LIDB cannot S 994 interpret the format of the query. DENY 227 Denied UDTS, SS7 Network problem - There is an S 999 SS7 network problem. DENY 228 Denied BNS: Personal Communication Service G8 231 (PCS) DENY 229 Denied BNS: Mobile G8 231 DENY 230 Denied Not Billable - The Customer does not have a G2 180 billing arrangement with the LEC for this NPANXX (OCN On-Net Screening). DENY 231 Denied BNS: LEC Prepaid Telecommunications G10 310 Card Station DENY 232 Denied Feature Group A (FGA) G4 000 DENY 233 Denied BNS: LEC Public - Alternate Interface G10 302 (functions controlled by set) DENY 234 Denied BNS: LEC Public - Special Billing - Postpay G10 306 Overtime (functions controlled by the network) DENY 235 Denied BNS: LEC Public - Special Billing - Prepay G10 307 Overtime (functions controlled by the network) DENY 236 Denied BNS: Public - Incompatible Network G10 300 Interface (interface other than standard or alternate) DENY 237 Denied BNS: IC Public - Alternate Interface G10 304 DENY 238 Denied BNS: IPP (fka COCOT) - Standard Interface 311 DENY 239 Denied BNS: Pager G8 230 DENY 241 Denied General, Reject - The LIDB could not read S 994 the format of the query. DENY 242 Denied Invoke, Reject - The LIDB could not read the S 994 format of the query. DENY 243 Denied Return Result, Reject - The LIDB could not S 994 read the format of the query. DENY 244 Denied Return Error, Reject - The LIDB could not S 994 read the format of the query. DENY 245 Denied Transaction Portion, Reject - The LIDB S 994 could not read the format of the query. DENY 246 Denied BNS: Vacant Number - There is no line G2 180 number assigned. DENY 247 Denied BNS: Disconnected without referral - The G6 240 line number was disconnected with no referral to a new line number. DENY 248 Denied BNS: Changed to non-published number - o5 000 The line number was changed to a non- published number. DENY 250 Denied No Collect Calls, Screened Data - A O2 000 screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this line number. DENY 251 Denied No Third-party calls, Screened Data - A O2 000 screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this line number. DENY 252 Denied BNS: Screened Data - A screening G7 191 mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this line number. DENY 253 Denied BNS: Screened Data - A screening G7 191 mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this line number. DENY 254 Denied BNS & No Calling Card, Unavailable O2 411 network resource - This line or card number is not in the database. DENY 255 Denied BNS: Screened Data - A screening G7 191 mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does not allow charges to this line number. DENY 256 Denied BNS: Being changed - The line number is G6 241 being changed; it may not yet be connected. DENY 257 Denied BNS: May not yet be connected - The line G6 243 number may be new; it may not yet be connected. DENY 258 Denied BNS: Temporarily disconnected - The line G6 244 number is temporarily disconnected. DENY 259 Denied BNS: Disconnected, calls being taken by G6 245 operator - The line number is temporarily disconnected, the operator is taking calls. DENY 260 Denied BNS: Temporarily removed from service - G6 244 The line number is temporally removed from service. DENY 261 Denied BNS: Not in service for incoming calls - This G2 182 line number cannot accept incoming calls. DENY 262 Denied BNS: Temporarily disconnected at customer G6 245 request without referral - The line number is temporarily disconnected at the request of the customer without referral. DENY 263 Denied BNS: Temporarily disconnected at customer G6 246 request with referral - The line number is temporarily disconnected at the request of the customer with referral. DENY 264 Denied BNS: Changed with referral to new number - o5 000 The line number was changed. A referral to another line number is in place. DENY 265 Denied Calling card blocked, PIN Nonpayment - O2 000 The calling card is blocked because of nonpayment. DENY 266 Denied Calling card blocked, Service Restriction O2 000 on PIN - There is a service restriction on this PIN. DENY 267 Denied Calling card blocked, no PINs assigned. O2 000 There is no PIN assigned to this calling card line number. DENY 268 Denied Calling card blocked, service denial - There O2 000 is a service restriction on this calling card. DENY 269 Denied Calling Card - The calling card is a CIID O2 000 (proprietary card) for which there is no host. DENY 270 Denied BNS: Unexpected Data Value - No Collect S 994 or Third-Party Calls are allowed. DENY 272 Denied LIDB/CCC Response Time-out - A response S 180 was not received from the host database within 4 seconds for a Telco query and 12 seconds for a Bank query. DENY 273 Denied No Collect Calls at Customer Request - The O2 000 end user customer requested the block for collect calls to this line number. DENY 274 Denied BNS & No Calling Card Calls: Screened O2 000 data. DENY 275 Denied BNS: Hotel/Motel Auto Quote - with tax G4 000 DENY 276 Denied BNS: Dormitory Line G4 225 DENY 277 Denied BNS: Hotel/Motel Auto Quote - without tax G4 000 DENY 278 Denied BNS: PBX Line G4 221 DENY 279 Denied BNS: Prison (IPP fka COCOT) G10 316 DENY 280 Denied BNS: WATS Line G4 222 DENY 281 Denied No Third-party calls at Customer Request - O2 000 The end user customer requested the block for third-party calls to this line number. DENY 282 Denied BNS: LEC Public - Standard interface - G10 301 Prepay Overtime DENY 283 Denied BNS: Coinless (IPP fka COCOT) G10 314 DENY 284 Denied BNS: IC Public - Standard Interface G10 305 DENY 285 Denied BNS: Voice Quote - without tax o6 450 DENY 286 Denied BNS: Voice Quote - with tax o6 451 DENY 287 Denied BNS: IPP (fka COCOT) - Alternate Interface G10 312 DENY 288 Denied BNS: Hospital G4 226 DENY 289 Denied BNS: Prison (non-IPP fka COCOT) G10 315 DENY 290 Denied BNS: LEC Semi-Public G10 308 DENY 291 Denied BNS: Subsystem Congestion S 180 DENY 292 Denied BNS: Subsystem Failure S 180 DENY 293 Denied BNS: No translation for address of such S 180 nature DENY 294 Denied BNS: Unequipped User S 999 DENY 295 Denied BNS: Network Failure S 180 DENY 296 Denied BNS: Network congestion S 999 DENY 297 Denied BNS: Cellular (cellular is distinct from G8 231 mobile) DENY 298 Denied BNS and Calling Card - Although the G4 228 NPANXX belongs to SWBT the end-user account number is no longer is a SWBT customer. The line number now belongs to another local service provider. DENY 299 Failure LNP Only Look-Up, the NPANXX is not a LNP 000 portable range. DENY 301 Denied Y Denied Originating Number (ANI) - The G2 183 ANI has an Admin. block to automatically decline all attempts from this line number. (Admin. Reply) DENY 302 Denied Y Terminating Number (DNI) has an Admin. G2 182 block to automatically decline all attempts to this line number. (Admin. Reply) DENY 303 Denied Y Calling card has an Admin, block to G2 000 automatically decline all attempts to this line number. (Admin. Reply) DENY 304 Denied Y Collect Number has an Admin. block to G2 000 automatically decline all attempts to this line number. (Admin. Reply) DENY 305 Denied Y Third Party Number has an Admin. block to G2 000 automatically decline all attempts to this line number. (Admin. Reply) DENY 306 Denied Y Commercial credit card has an Admin. G2 000 block to automatically decline all attempts to this line number. (Admin. Reply) DENY 307 Denied Y Group Number has an Admin. block to G2 000 automatically decline all attempts from this group. (Admin. Reply) DENY 308 Denied Y Global Negative Database Block - There is G2 000 an Admin. block in the Global Negative Database to this line number for the Audiotext Industry. (Admin. Reply) DENY 309 Denied Y Excessive calling card PIN hits - The G2 000 threshold for bad PIN attempts for a calling card was exceeded in the Admin. fraud control system (Admin. Reply). This is the same as reply code 055. DENY 400 Denied Commercial credit card, Invalid 506 Commercial credit card - This is not a valid commercial credit card account number. It failed the MOD 10 check. Also an invalid amount, invalid date or a format error may cause this response. (Host or Admin. Reply) DENY 401 Denied Commercial credit card, Call issuer - The 507 authorization attempt triggered a flag in the fraud control system of the issuing bank, Banknet or VISAnet. DENY 402 Denied Commercial credit card, Confiscate card - 508 No billing is allowed to this account number. If possible confiscate this card. DENY 403 Denied Commercial credit card, Authorization 509 Declined - No billing is allowed to this account number. DENY 404 Denied Commercial credit card, Unable to Validate 510 Account Number - There is problem in authorizing this account number. DENY 405 Denied Commercial credit card, Card expired - No 511 billing is allowed to this account number because the card has expired DENY 406 Denied Commercial credit card - Invalid Merchant 512 ID DENY 408 Denied Commercial credit card, Invalid card and 513 Address (zip code) - Both the account number and the address or zip code are invalid. Do not allow billing to this account number. DENY 409 Denied Commercial credit card, System Problem - 514 There is a technical problem with the authorization system of the issuing bank, Banknet or VISAnet. DENY 420 Denied Commercial credit card, Over withdrawal 515 limit - This account has exceeded the withdrawal threshold in the authorization system of the issuing bank DENY 421 Denied Commercial credit card, Over credit limit - 516 This account has exceeded the credit threshold in the authorization system of the issuing bank DENY 422 Denied Commercial credit card, Lost card, 517 Confiscate - - This account number was reported lost. No billing is allowed to this account number. If possible confiscate this card. DENY 423 Denied Commercial credit card, Stolen card, 518 Confiscate card - This card was reported stolen. No billing is allowed to this account number. If possible confiscate this card. DENY 424 Denied Commercial credit card, Invalid Pin - This 519 means a bad PIN was used. DENY 425 Denied Commercial credit card, Allowable Number 520 of PIN Tries Exceeded - The threshold for bad PIN attempts for a calling card was exceeded in the authorization system of the issuing bank, Banknet or VISAnet. DENY 426 Denied Duplicate transaction. The Authorization 521 host considers this a duplicate transaction.

In the embodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings, regardless of the type of service provider or the type of validation request, clients or vendors may need a profile so that the process or method carried out by the system 10 knows how to treat the request. The client or vendor profile may be set up in a database, which includes the indicators that are set for the type and tests for each request, which will be subsequently received from the vendor.

The first table shows the operations in the BTN test descriptions process. In one exemplary embodiment, a set of core tests is run for each client. Additionally, clients may have some configuration options to identify the tests that best fit their program.

BILLABLE BTN TESTs PROCESS TESTs PURPOSE VAL Pre-bill Client profile Client profile for each id for BTN validation process test flags. VAL only ANI = BTN Determines if originating number = BTN input by caller. VAL/Pre-bill Invalid # OFFNET Ids Invalid NPAs & NXXs VAL/Pre-bill Global OFFNET Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where there is not a B&C agreement VAL/Pre-bill Product OFFNET Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where the traffic type is not approved to bill (Jul. 24, 2001: MRC only for NECA and Illuminet Only) VAL/Pre-bill Client OFFNET Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where there the Client id (7###) is not approved to bill VAL/Pre-bill Special Calling Card Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations of special calling card #s for OFFNET non-calling card traffic that are unable to be billed VAL/Pre-bill Plan OFFNET Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where a Client Plan is not approved to bill VAL/Pre-bill ONNET Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where there are B&C agreements VAL/Pre-bill CLEC Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's are not billable due to CLEC for all Clients. VAL/Pre-bill 4250 BLOCK Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's that have a 4250 billing block (for MRC only) VAL/Pre-bill UNBILL Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's that have unbilled previously for all Clients VAL/Pre-bill Block & Cancel - Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's that requested a Block and/or Cancel; usually GLOBAL institutional VAL/Pre-bill Block & Cancel - Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's that requested a Block and/or Cancel for a Client Specific particular Client id VAL/1^(st) + n Val Code Cache Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx & Return Code combinations for previous Pre-bill request VAL/1^(st) Pre- LIDB Validity Test To determine the billable status of the return code from the LIDB bill dip VAL/1^(st) Pre- LIDB CLEC RAO Ids RAOs that belong to CLECs bill VAL/1^(st) Pre- LIDB CLEC OCN Ids known CLEC OCNs bill VAL/1^(st) Pre- LIDB State Specific To determine if the returned LIDB code is a state specific code and bill Conversion then a conversion to the billable OCN for the ONNET check VAL/1^(st) Pre- LIDB ONNET Ids billable (NPA)NXX & returned OCN combinations bill ALL VAL Trans Log Log of each validation request and response by Client ID

BTN CREDIT SCORING PROCESS TESTs PURPOSE VAL/Pre-bill AREA CODE Change Provides the new area code for the line number while in indicator permissive dialing period. Val ZIP MATCH ZIP matches zip codes for (NPA) NXX (not in production as of 6/01) VAL/Pre-bill ANI WATCH - (NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a refund/chargeback has CLIENT been issued previously for this Client ID (SOURCE: all) VAL/Pre-bill ANI WATCH - (NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a refund has been issued CLIENT previously for this Client ID (SOURCE: client) VAL/Pre-bill ANI WATCH - (NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a chargeback/bad debt has been CLIENT issued previously for this Client ID (SOURCE: ebi/telco) VAL/Pre-bill ANI WATCH - (NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a refund/chargeback/bad debt GLOBAL has been issued previously from CLIENT, ebi or telco (SOURCE: all) VAL/Pre-bill ANI WATCH - (NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a refund/chargeback/bad debt PRODUCT has been issued previously for the same product (SOURCE: all) VAL Address Not Available Verification

PROCESS TESTs PURPOSE TEST BEFORE FIRST BTN BILLING VAL/Pre-bill LEC CARE FEED Determines if the ILEC owns the Acct. for billing VAL/Pre-bill Biz vs Res Determines the commercial or consumer status for credit score Example TESTs VAL/Pre-bill Threshold by Client Determines whether the BTN has met a Client specific threshold VAL/Pre-bill LEC PROV feed To determine if LEC owns Acct VAL/Pre-bill Credit Check Credit header files check from Credit source VAL/Pre-bill New within 90 days Determines if BTN is less than 90 days old; affects credit score On/Offnet Family Tables (Billing Coverage)

The OFFNET table family contains OCN & NPA_NXX combinations where billing is not approved. If found, the BTN does not continue on the validation path.

The ONNET table determines if an NPA_NXX & OCN combination can be found among the billable combinations. In this case a match allows the BTN to move further on the validation path. A no match will return a failure.

The CLEC table consists of CLECs that the proprietor, or user of the system 10, does not have billing contracts with. This table is specific to the line number. Sources dictate the fields that will be present for the record. A match here is considered a fail and does not continue.

The 4250 Block table consists of specific line numbers that cannot be billed for 4250-01 record types. A match in this table stops the validation movement.

Bill Control Family Tables

The Unbills or unbillable table holds all the BTNs that have been sent to a subscribers' bill page but could not be placed on the bill page for various reasons. A match here halts the validation sequence for the subject BTN.

Block and cancel tables identify BTNs that have requested a permanent or a Client specific block for billing. A match sends a failed response.

Validation Cache is a table that holds responses in order not to process duplicates (e.g. Submit pressed 10 times). A match here will return the code stored from a previous request.

LIDB Family Tables

LIDB is a third party that supplies information to the phone line number level. The goal is to test and store as many relevant fields as can be requested in a transaction.

The LIDB Validity Table translates the LIDB code into a billable or non-billable response according to predefined business rules. A fail here will halt the validation for the request.

The State specific table is a conversion from a true OCN to a known State Specific OCN that is billable. A match here will trigger the conversion, the BTN continues in the validation process.

The transaction log is the history of each transaction request and response that is processed through the validation system.

The TPM indicates that an NPA is in the permissive dialing period. A match here appends the record with the updated number for a record update.

The ANI Watch has BTNs that have been given an adjustment for charges by the Client, proprietor or user of the system 10 or the Telco. This is to help the client determine the credit score for the BTN.

Unlike the conventional use of the LIDB database that uses the LIDB data to obtain information on a destination/termination or recipient location or subscriber unit, the system 10, in one exemplary embodiment, uses the industry standard LIDB database to obtain relevant information on the initiating subscriber line. The subscriber line reference data obtained from the LIDB database is then processed to generate modified validity codes, which provide a vendor with data to facilitate deciding whether or not a transaction should be processed. The LIDB/LNP database may be queried as if a collect call event is occurring and a call is thus mimicked. The processing of the transaction, in one exemplary embodiment, involves communicating the relevant transaction data to a folder of the subscriber with a relevant Telco. The method of, and system 10 for, validating the billing account associated with the subscriber line allows, for example, a subscriber line to be used to validate and conclude a transaction instead of using a conventional payment techniques such as a credit card, debit card, bank account details or the like.

A current industry-wide problem is the lack of ability of a service provider to identify when a line subscriber has switched his service to a CLEC since the service provider may not have an existing billing arrangement with such a CLEC and may also not have a source for the BNA to allow for a direct billing solution. LNP databases were originally established for the purpose of directing call routing activities among facilities-based carriers and most telephone numbers ported to a CLEC do not involve a facility change (i.e. the CLEC is simply reselling the incumbent LEC's facilities). This means that, for billing decision purposes, LNP queries may provide an incorrect response.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the LNP queries have been enhanced by analyzing and interpreting other field elements included within the query response. Specifically, certain values or, in some cases, the absence of certain values, in the Operating Company Number (“OCN”) and/or the Regional Accounting Office (“RAO”) fields, allows further accuracy in the validation response. While the definitions of the OCN and RAO field elements can be obtained from industry sources, their interpreted use in the validation process is unique to the present invention. Use of these additional data elements can improve the reliability of the validation event.

In addition, the present invention may include supplementing LNP results with CARE queries in LEC regions where LNP results are inadequate and CARE costs are not otherwise prohibitive based on the retail price of the underlying service. CARE may provide a reliable result on CLEC-ported numbers since its basic purpose is to provide subscriber account information (such as billing name and address). Once a number is ported to a CLEC, the incumbent LEC no longer has subscriber responsibility and will, therefore, return an “unavailable” response, even if the LEC's dial-tone facility is still being utilized. This negative response is then used to generate a “deny” status on the subscriber based on the current lack of CLEC billing support.

The exemplary embodiment of the present invention may supplement the validation process through the use of internal databases built from information gathered throughout the billing and collection process and process logic gleaned from previous billing experience.

It is important to appreciate that all of the operations in the method executed by the system 10 need not be executed in real-time. In one exemplary embodiment, after the approval code 000 has been generated by the system 10 at operation 134, the system 10 terminates its pre-validation check routine as shown at operation 136. At this point the system 10 may merely provide pre-validation data or verification data to indicate to the vendor 12 whether or not the subscriber line is billable. Thus the system 10 may, in a first interaction with the vendor 12 provide pre-validation data, and in a second interaction process billing information. During the processing of billing information the validation process may once again be executed. In certain embodiments, the first interaction may be in the form of a registration process during which the validation procedure is carried out to register a subscriber line. The vendor may then conduct numerous transactions with subscriber and subsequent validation checks on the subscriber line may then only be carried out on a periodic basis.

After the validation code has been sent to the vendor 12, and the pre-validation procedure has been completed, the system 10 then carries out the fraud checks on a non real-time basis (usually during the next 48 to 72 hours) as shown in operations 140 to 144. The information obtained during the fraud control check, if necessary, is used to update the various databases. In particular, after a BTN has been successfully validated but before a billing event takes place, the CARE investigation operations 140 to 144 may be executed. In the exemplary embodiment, the system 10 is arranged to interrogate off-site CARE databases and the results of the enquiry are stored in the CARE database 46. Checks on the data received from the CARE databases are then performed; whereafter one or more of the other databases may be updated with the results. For example, the CARE database may be updated with new within 90 days information, business indicator information, or the like. In the exemplary embodiment, CARE codes 2618 and 2619 indicate that the BNA is not available and that the LEC no longer owns the account.

The updating of the databases following the CARE investigation may allow enhanced future checks by the system 10 in a subsequent pre-validation procedure or subsequent registration validation event. The updated information may be provided to the vendor 12. However, if the BTN information returned from the CARE database does not meet predefined criteria, the other databases of the system 10 may not be updated.

In the embodiment described above, information on the subscriber line 17 is forwarded by the service provider or vendor 12 to the system 10 for validation. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the consumer or customer 11 may call the system 10 directly, as shown by line 150 in FIG. 5, and the ANI may then be obtained by the system 10 directly from the customer 11 and not indirectly from the vendor 12. Further subscriber line data, e.g. BTN, address of the customer 11 and so on, may then also be obtained directly from the customer 11. For example, the customer 11 may have appropriate software installed on his/her PC which allows the customer 11 to dial into the system 10 in an automated fashion should he/she wish to charge any requested goods or services to his/her subscriber account. The system 10 would then validate the subscriber line number 17 using the method described above. The system 10 then typically communicates a validation code (e.g. corresponding to approval or non-approval) to the vendor 12 as shown by line 152. The vendor 12 would then conclude the transaction with the customer 11 if the subscriber line has been validated.

The proprietor or user of the system 10 may function as a type of clearing house. In particular, the proprietor or user of the system 10 may be responsible or accountable for payment for the goods or services for each transaction to the service provider or vendor 12 and, in turn, receive payment from the Telco 13. As mentioned above, the system 10 may update the telephone bill or account of the subscriber in an automated fashion (see line 154) and the account that the subscriber or customer 11 receives (see FIG. 6 and line 156 in FIG. 5) includes the charges for the goods and/or services provided by the vendor 12. The customer 11 may pay the Telco 13 (see line 155), the Telco 13 may pay the system 10 (see line 156), and the system 10 may pay the vendor 12 (see line 160). It is important to appreciate that these payments need not take place at the same time. In one exemplary embodiment, the payments between the Telco and the system 10, and the system 10 and vendor 12, take place periodically in a batch fashion.

FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exemplary form of a computer system 600 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed above, may be executed.

The computer system 600 includes a processor 602, a main memory 604 and a static memory 606, which communicate with each other via a bus 608. The computer system 600 may further include a video display unit 610 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 600 also includes an alpha-numeric input device 612 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 614 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 616, a signal generation device 618 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device 620.

The disk drive unit 616 includes a machine-readable medium 622 on which is stored a set of instructions (software) 624 embodying any one, or all, of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software 624 is also shown to reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 604 and/or within the processor 602. The software 624 may further be transmitted or received via the network interface device 620. For the purposes of this specification, the term “machine-readable medium” shall be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a sequence of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to included, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic disks, and carrier wave signals.

Thus, a method and system to validate data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network have been described. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 

1. A method of providing validation data to a vendor using a validation system, the validation data being associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network, the method including: obtaining line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; processing the reference subscriber data to identify credit worthiness associated with the subscriber line; identifying a local exchange carrier (LEC) associated with the subscriber line to determine if a billing arrangement exists between the validation system and the LEC; conducting fraud control checks on the account associated with the subscriber line, the fraud control checks including checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the line data, verifying a user entered ZIP code with ZIP data from a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with address data from an address data source, and checking if the line data and a BTN match; and providing validation data associated with the subscriber line to the vendor based on the credit worthiness and the identified LEC.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the LIDB is a conventional LIDB used by a service provider and the LEC is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC).
 3. The method of claim 1, which includes: analyzing the reference subscriber data to determine if the line data is associated with a billing telephone number (BTN); and generating one of an approval and a decline status in response to the analysis.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the line data is an automatic number identification (ANI).
 5. The method of claim 4, which includes interrogating the LIDB with the ANI to obtain the reference subscriber data associated with the line data.
 6. The method of claim 5, which includes processing the validation data to determine whether the subscriber line is a billable line having an associated account at the LEC to which goods or services can be electronically billed by the validation system.
 7. The method of claim 5, which includes processing the reference subscriber data received from the LIDB selectively to approve a transaction requested via the subscriber line.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the reference subscriber data is in the form of LIDB codes.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the processing of the reference subscriber data includes generating a modified code from at least one LIDB code from a plurality of LIDB codes.
 10. The method of claim 9, which includes generating a common modified code from the plurality of LIDB codes.
 11. The method of claim 10, which includes arranging the modified codes into a billable group and a non-billable group.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the fraud control checks include checking if an area code associated with the line data has changed and checking if one of the BTN and ANI are missing from the record.
 13. The method of claim 1, which includes interrogating a network database with the ANI to determine if the subscriber line is a billable subscriber line and, if so, generating one of a decline status and an approved status in response to the interrogation.
 14. The method of claim 13, which includes interrogating with the line data at least one of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database, a 42 BLOCK database, a Block and Cancel database, an unpaid bills database, an off network database, an on network database, an address verification database, a regional account office (RAO) database, an operating company number (OCN) database, and a customer account record exchange (CARE) database.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the vendor is a vendor of goods or services, the method including communicating one of a decline status and an approval status to the vendor in response to receiving the line data from the vendor.
 16. The method of claim 15, which includes electronically billing charges raised by the vendor to an account submitted by an exchange carrier to a subscriber for use of the subscriber line.
 17. A machine-readable medium for storing a set of instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to: obtain line data of a subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); interrogate the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; process the reference subscriber data to identify credit worthiness associated with the subscriber line; identify a local exchange carrier (LEC) associated with the subscriber line to determine if a billing arrangement exists between a validation system and the LEC; conduct fraud control checks on the account associated with the subscriber line, the fraud control checks including checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the line data, verifying a user entered ZIP code with ZIP data from a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with address data from an address data source, and checking if the line data and a BTN match; and provide validation data associated with the subscriber line to the vendor based on the credit worthiness and the identified LEC.
 18. A subscriber line validation system to validate a subscriber line of a communication network, the system including a communication module to receive line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); an interrogation module to interrogate the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and a processor module to: process the reference subscriber data to identify credit worthiness associated with the subscriber line, the credit worthiness being based on checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the line data, verifying a user entered ZIP code with ZIP data from a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with address data from an address data source, and checking if the line data and a BTN match; identify a local exchange carrier (LEC) associated with the subscriber line to determine if a billing arrangement exists between the validation system and the LEC; and provide validation data associated with the subscriber line to a vendor based on the credit worthiness and the LEC.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the LIDB is at least one conventional LIDB used by at least one service provider to investigate a destination line to which the subscriber line requests a connection and the LEC is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC).
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor module is configured to analyze the reference subscriber data to determine if the data is associated with a billing telephone number (BTN) and to generate one of an approval and a decline status in response to the analysis.
 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the line data is an automatic number identification (ANI).
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the interrogation module is configured to interrogate the LIDB with the ANI to obtain the reference subscriber data associated with the line data.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the validation data is processed to determine whether the subscriber line is a billable line having an associated account at the LEC to which goods or services can be electronically billed by the validation system.
 24. The system of claim 22, wherein the reference subscriber data is received from the LIDB and is processed selectively to approve a transaction requested via the subscriber line.
 25. The system of claim 22, wherein the reference subscriber data is in the form of conventional LIDB codes and the processor module generates a modified code from at least one LIDB code.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein a common modified code is generated from a plurality of different LIDB codes.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein a plurality of modified codes are generated and arranged in a billable group and a non-billable group.
 28. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor module is configured to interrogate a network database with the ANI to determine if the subscriber line is a billable subscriber line and, if so, generate one of a decline status and an approved status in response to the interrogation.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the network database includes at least one of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database, a 42 BLOCK database, a Block and Cancel database, an unpaid bills database, an off network database, an on network database, an address verification database, a regional account office (RAO) database, an operating company number (OCN) database, and a customer account record exchange (CARE) database.
 30. The system of claim 18, wherein the vendor is a vendor of goods or services and the communication module receives the line data from the vendor and communicates at least a decline status to the vendor.
 31. The system of claim 30, wherein charges raised by the vendor are included in an account submitted by an exchange carrier to a subscriber for use of the subscriber line.
 32. A system to provide validation data to a vendor using a validation system, the validation data being associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network, the system including: means for obtaining line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); means for interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; means for processing the reference subscriber data to identify credit worthiness associated with the subscriber line; means for identifying a local exchange carrier (LEC) associated with the subscriber line to determine if a billing arrangement exists between the validation system and the LEC; means conducting fraud control checks on the account associated with the subscriber line, the fraud control checks including checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the line data, verifying a user entered ZIP code with ZIP data from a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with address data from an address data source, and checking if the line data and a BTN match; and means for providing validation data to the vendor based on the credit worthiness and the identified LEC. 